A special court in Mumbai, in a recent order, allowed actor Rhea Chakrabortys application seeking de-freezing of her bank accounts frozen during the investigation of the drugs case filed against her by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) last year.
The court also allowed a plea for the return of her laptop and phone seized during the probe in the case filed last year following the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
The court said that with no strong opposition from the NCB on her plea seeking the de-freezing of her accounts and Fixed Deposits, it can be allowed subject to conditions including a written undertaking from her that she will make available the balance amount shown in the accounts as and when required during the trial.
Chakraborty’s plea stated that she supported herself and her brother from the money from her accounts which were frozen last year. She said that her bank accounts had been frozen for 10 months, which amounted to prejudice to her.
Special Public Prosecutor Atul Sarpande, representing the NCB, opposed the application while stating that financial investigation in the case is ongoing.
Serpande contested that if the accounts are de-freezed, then it will hamper the investigation, citing a ‘high possibility of involving the said amount in drug mafia and drug-related business.’
Special judge DB Mane observed however, ‘From the reply of the investigating officer, it appears that there is no strong objection from the NCB side for de-freezing the bank accounts and FDs of Chakraborty.’
Mane further added, ‘In such circumstances, Chakraborty is entitled for de-freezing the bank accounts and FDs subject to conditions and undertaking supported by an affidavit stating that during the pendency and conclusion of the trial of the case, she shall make the balance amount, as shown in the concerned account as on 16/09/2020, available for passing necessary orders, as and when required.’
In another plea, Rhea Chakraborty sought that her personal gadgets be returned to her.
The court ordered that the gadgets be returned to Rhea on Supurtnama after due verification and identification, and executing an indemnity bond for INR 1,00,000.